About the Event

A Workshop on Copper vs. Aluminum Connectors will be held Wednesday, October 8, 2014. Sponsored by ASTM Committee B05 on Copper and Copper Alloys, the workshop will be held at the Sheraton New Orleans in New Orleans, LA, in conjunction with the October standards development meetings of the committee.

ObjectivePresenters: David T. Brenner, National Program Manager, Electrical Applications, Copper Development Association, Inc. and James Michel, Manager, Technical Services, Copper Development Association, Inc.

A research study on the title topic was recently conducted at Powertech Labs, a part of BC Hydro. The study compared aluminum wiring systems with copper wiring systems. The aluminum was prepared in several different ways: with and without wire brushing; with and without oxide inhibitor. The copper samples had no preparation. Both were tested at various connector torque values to a recognized IEC test. The study, which will be described in more detail, found a 100% failure rate among the aluminum samples with mechanical connectors, irrespective of preparation or torqueing. The copper conductor connected to copper connectors had zero failures.

Registration Information

You must be registered to attend ASTM Meetings. Use our online registration form where you have the ability to register for multiple events, pay fees in advance using a credit card, and receive an electronic confirmation. You may register online at the "Register" link above.

When you preregister online, you will receive emails on committee meetings, final announcements, and other information that will help you prepare for your meeting. The registration information significantly assists us in preparations for the committee week.

The cut-off for preregistration is Wednesday, October 1, 2014. After this date, please register on-site at the ASTM Registration Desk at the Sheraton New Orleans.

Online

On Site

ASTM Member Fee

Waived

Waived

Non-Member Fee

Waived

Waived

Presenter Fee

Waived

Waived

Student Fee

Waived

Waived

Technical Chair Contact Information

Additional information about the workshop is available from Workshop Chairman David Styers, Wieland Metals Inc., Decatur, AL, 2docdad@bellsouth.net, tel: 256-318-3805.

Hotel Information

Select your dates and proceed as instructed. Reservations may also be made by telephoning the Sheraton New Orleans at 1-800-253-6156 or 504-525-2500 (you must mention ASTM in order to receive the group rate).

Group rate will be honored until the ASTM block is full, but no later than September 1, 2014. ASTM rates are $189 single/double plus 13% tax. You may be charged a higher rate if reservations are received after the cut-off date, or when the block is full.

U.S. Government Rates: The Sheraton New Orleans has a limited number of rooms at the Government per diem rate of $151.

IMPORTANT! ASTM Rates are non-commissionable. If you book your reservation through a travel agent they must ask for a non-commissioned ASTM Group Rate. ASTM cannot adjust your higher rate if commissions were paid to a travel agency.

INTERNET: The Sheraton New Orleans has high speed internet access in all guestrooms at $5.95-$14.95 plus tax daily.

ASTM MEMBERS WORK AREA: ASTM is providing computers with an internet connection. This area will also be wireless for your laptop computer. You may visit the ASTM website, apply or renew your membership, order publications or check your email. The complimentary wireless service is limited to the members' work area only. The meeting rooms throughout the hotel will not have internet connections.

Transportation and Directions

AMERICAN AIRLINES is offering a special meeting discount. The discount can be booked on-line at discount for American Airlines for American Airlines/American Eagle Airlines flights only. Enter the Promo code 33H4BQ in the Promotion Code box. Itineraries involving any one word or codeshare partner airline must be booked through our Meeting Services Department at 1-800-433-1790 if calling from the US and Canada. International attendees should call their local American Airlines reservations number. The discount is valid October 4, 2014 thru October 14, 2014. Please note a $25.00 fee will apply for each ticket booked over the phone.

UNITED AIRLINES is offering a special meeting discount. You may book online at discount for United Airlines and enter your Offer Code ZRGZ569377 in the Offer Code box when searching for your flights. If booking through a travel professional or United Meetings at 800-426-1122, please give them the following information: Agreement Code: 569377; Z Code: ZRGZ. Outside of the United States, please call your local United Airlines Reservation Office. Please note that a Direct Ticketing Charge will apply for booking by phone.

DELTA AIRLINES is pleased to offer a special meeting discount. Refer to your Ticket Designator NMHRB to purchase your tickets and your negotiated discount may be applied. Reservations and ticketing is available online or by calling our Delta Meeting Network Reservations at 800-328-1111. When booking online at discount for Delta Airlines select ADVANCED SEARCH then select MEETING & EVENT TRAVEL and enter your Meeting ID - NMHRB in the box provided on the Search Flight page. Please note that a Direct Ticketing Charge will apply for booking by phone.

The Sheraton New Orleans is located approximately 15 miles/35 minutes from the Louis Armstrong International Airport. The hotel's phone number is 504-525-2500 and the general fax number is 504-595-5552. The website for the hotel is Sheraton New Orleans Information.

AIRPORT SHUTTLE SERVICE: You may reserve a ride between the Sheraton New Orleans and Louis Armstrong International Airport through New Orleans Airport Shuttle. Rates are $20 one way/$38 roundtrip. Call 504-522-3500 for information or make reservations online at least 24 hours prior to your flight time at Sheraton New Orleans Hotel Airport Shuttle. Taxis are available outside of baggage claim and the average fare to Sheraton New Orleans Hotel is $33.

PARKING: Valet parking service is available for the Sheraton New Orleans guests; the hotel does not offer self-parking. Vehicles are secured in a covered garage adjacent to the hotel. Due to limited space and height restrictions parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis and the hotel cannot accommodate oversized vehicles. Overnight guest rate is $38 plus tax.

Dress and Weather

Attendees have the option to determine their dress at ASTM meetings. Business casual attire is acceptable at this meeting and appropriate for New Orleans. The average temperatures in October range from a high of 79 degrees to a low of 64 degrees.

Standards Development Meetings

Future Meeting Dates

Committee B05 invites you to attend their future standards development meetings. There is no fee to attend these meetings, and membership in ASTM International is not required. For more information, visit the web page listed immediately above, and click on "Future Meetings".

ASTM Training Session

ASTM staff will provide several training sessions on various subjects to educate and assist officers, members and non-members of ASTM committees. The following topics will be discussed:

Developing and Revising an ASTM Standard (Tuesday) 12:00pm - 1:00pm

During this joint Technical Committee Operations and Editorial module, we will review both new and revised standards as they go through the development and publication process. We will cover how standard ideas are introduced, drafted, and publicized as well as review ASTM's electronic tools and time-tested techniques for accelerating the development of your standard. Included in the workshop will be a brief review of work items registration, the three stages of balloting, and an explanation of the key roles of your editor and the standard's technical contact.

This session will discuss the ASTM balloting process, how to resolve negative votes using the Online Negative Resolution Tool in the MyASTM section of the ASTM website and how to write an effective negative. Additionally, the roles of the subcommittee chairs, technical contacts, and ASTM Staff play throughout this process will be discussed.

Refreshments will be available at all sessions.

Miscellaneous

Please advise the hotel and ASTM of any disability which will require special attention. The Sheraton New Orleans is in compliance with ADA standards.

Questions

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